Bruskledd

Bruskledd is a Norwegian adjective used in biology and medicine to describe tissues, joints, or surfaces that are covered with cartilage (brusk). The term is often applied to articular surfaces in synovial joints, where a layer of hyaline cartilage provides a smooth, low-friction interface between bones.

Cartilage tissue consists of chondrocytes embedded in an extracellular matrix rich in collagen type II and proteoglycans. Articular cartilage is typically hyaline cartilage; in some structures, fibrocartilage or elastic cartilage may cover the surface. Cartilage is largely avascular, receiving nutrients by diffusion from the synovial fluid, which contributes to its limited capacity for self-repair.

In living organisms, bruskledd surfaces serve to absorb loads, distribute stress, and facilitate lubricated movement. With aging or injury, cartilage can degrade, leading to conditions such as osteoarthritis or focal chondral injuries. Treatment strategies in humans and animals aim to preserve cartilage, relieve pain, or restore the surface, including conservative management, microfracture, cartilage grafts, or cell-based therapies, depending on the defect size and location.

The term is used across human medicine and veterinary medicine, as well as in anatomical descriptions of animals, including discussions of bruskledd joints in mammals, birds, and other vertebrates.